subsonic "pistol" bullets and/or sub-x

[deer_hunter132]

Where i have some hunting access is a small parcel and would like to keep the noise down during our straight wall "primitive" season. Its a thick area so its basically bow range only. How effective are most pistol bullets; from what i can find the info varies, usually by typical opinion without first hand experience.
350L is the cartridge of choice. i have 147gr sig v crown and 158gr vintage hornady SPHP in .357 dia on hand. It seems no one local carries the 250gr sub x, which seems to have lack luster reviews.

I can just stick with the bow in there, but with just a little extra "easy" from a rifle, i would like to utilize it if its "feasible".

2nd question if it is feasible, high/forward CNS or lung shots like a bow?

 

[Taudisio]

Where i have some hunting access is a small parcel and would like to keep the noise down during our straight wall "primitive" season. Its a thick area so its basically bow range only. How effective are most pistol bullets; from what i can find the info varies, usually by typical opinion without first hand experience.
350L is the cartridge of choice. i have 147gr sig v crown and 158gr vintage hornady SPHP in .357 dia on hand. It seems no one local carries the 250gr sub x, which seems to have lack luster reviews.

I can just stick with the bow in there, but with just a little extra "easy" from a rifle, i would like to utilize it if its "feasible".

2nd question if it is feasible, high/forward CNS or lung shots like a bow?

While I have no first hand experience, I have been researching for a similar use case. I don’t think you will have penetration problems, and I think a cns shot placement would be the way to go. From what I have seen, you will be looking at most bullets performing like a hard cast. Punching through. You will kill the animal regardless, but tracking may be longer than expected. I have been watching some bullet testing videos with guys shooting 357 bullets from 2” barrels to get an idea of what they will do. I haven’t seen anything promising coming from a subsonic MV. I’d love to hear from folks that have experience and learn about other options.

Edit to add, I would love to see these shot at subsonic velocities. Seems they would have a higher chance for success.

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[deer_hunter132]

While I have no first hand experience, I have been researching for a similar use case. I don’t think you will have penetration problems, and I think a cns shot placement would be the way to go. From what I have seen, you will be looking at most bullets performing like a hard cast. Punching through. You will kill the animal regardless, but tracking may be longer than expected. I have been watching some bullet testing videos with guys shooting 357 bullets from 2” barrels to get an idea of what they will do. I haven’t seen anything promising coming from a subsonic MV. I’d love to hear from folks that have experience and learn about other options.

the only "more concrete" data i have is when i called sierra, who makes the v crown bullet, and asked about using them at rifle speeds, in the 2200-2500fps range from that rifle, he said it was a no go. he said they are meant for pistol speeds, to not over/fully penetrate a human. from pictures in water, they seem to expand well. i will be shooting them in that same rough velocity range from the muzzle. sure, distance will drop that velocity pretty quick. loaded ammo had them marked at 985fps from a pistol, not sure if its a 3" or 4" barrel. regardless, thats close enough of a comparison imo. what happens on deer is a whole 'nother thing i guess.

I dont like playing guinea pig on animals if i can help it.

i did shoot 2 squirrels at about 50yds at 2200-2300 MV with the v crown, it was not kind to the squirrels lol

 

[deer_hunter132]

i worked up a 2550fps load of H110 & 140gr FTX for this gun that shoots really well at 100yds. hornady advertises them at 800-2100fps usage. they drop like a rock in velocity due to the BC so i wasnt worried about the top end speed.

 

[Taudisio]

I misinterpreted your question entirely! I thought you were talking about shooting subsonic.

For supers (I’m working with a 357 mag carbine) I plan to use the 158gr xtp. I haven’t loaded them yet, but I’m expecting 1600-1700fps and from my ballistic calculator and video observations, I feel comfortable the combination will perform out to 200 yards (not saying I will ever shoot a deer that far). The data shows I will have 4” revolver muzzle velocity at the 140 yard mark. You should be able to find load data to slow down the 350 legend to magnum speeds.

 

[deer_hunter132]

No I was talking about shooting subsonic, but I touched bullets that I have have shot through this gun in supers, since it's it's possible for them to work as subs

 

[Taudisio]

No I was talking about shooting subsonic, but I touched bullets that I have have shot through this gun in supers, since it's it's possible for them to work as subs

Gotcha. I punched the sub-x into the calculator at 1050fps. Their minimum velocity is 900fps. It should be good expansion out to 200 yards. That’s ignoring the rainbow trajectory and 44” of drop with a 75 yard zero.

 

[06 SB]

Just to ask the obvious question, are you shooting subs with a suppressor or not?

 

[deer_hunter132]

Just to ask the obvious question, are you shooting subs with a suppressor or not?

Fair enough question lol with a can

 

[06 SB]

I do not know how quiet you want it to be but subsonic does not always mean good penetration. With a can, the sound will be lower no matter the type of round so I would use whatever bullet works the best.

 

[mtfallon]

I had good luck with winchester white box 44mag last year out of my henry carbine. You could probably get that to be pretty quiet with a can.

 

[deer_hunter132]

comparable bullet, if not the same of some i have.

 

[deer_hunter132]

multiple velocities tested, down to 1040fps.

 

[deer_hunter132]

fast pistol speed and rifle speed here

 

[Bluefish]

I would use maker subsonics designed for the 350l. They open down to 800fps. I have used the big brothers (500g) from a 45-70, worked very well.

I tried the 205g subs in a 360 buckhammer and they shot ok. Nice and quiet, but below legal minimum energy. I have considered trying the 250g as they will meet the requirement.

 

[K9kodi]

I have been researching shooting subs out of my mpx with a 4.5” bbl and a suppressor. Mainly bc doe days are far inbetween and I don’t want a cannon going off for a doe. I may try it still but the subs in 9mm don’t make me so comfy, even just at bow range (30yrds and in). I wouldn’t have a problem with regular loads in the 9mm, but then that negates the point. We’ll see.

 

[deer_hunter132]

yea, im a bit torn on head shooting them vs high/fwd shoulder. Either may work. i just dont have enough deer here to chance it to be honest. im also not the best at finding deer lol

 

[K9kodi]

Then I think you have your answer.

I see people on the beach all the time stuck, bc they have a car they think should might could make it.

If you’re not confident, I would suggest not doing it.
As I get older in life I worry more about my actions and the outcomes. Funny how that works. What wouldn’t bother me earlier in life does now.

I’d just assume watch a doe walk by and maybe not see that 150 class buck vs injuring a doe or making them suffer. Death would most likely be imminent, but when harvesting game, death shouldn’t be a long term goal. Hahaha.

If I was in your predicament, have you looked at any of the high end tiny crossbows?

 

[coyotekilla]

I've used the 190 subx in a 300aac with great results. The factory hornady load is kinda dirty, I'm just working thru load development with n110 powder. Way cleaner, but my es is about 35 so it's not a 250 yd load. Groups are great short range at .5" @ 50.

 

[deer_hunter132]

Then I think you have your answer.

I see people on the beach all the time stuck, bc they have a car they think should might could make it.

If you’re not confident, I would suggest not doing it.
As I get older in life I worry more about my actions and the outcomes. Funny how that works. What wouldn’t bother me earlier in life does now.

I’d just assume watch a doe walk by and maybe not see that 150 class buck vs injuring a doe or making them suffer. Death would most likely be imminent, but when harvesting game, death shouldn’t be a long term goal. Hahaha.

If I was in your predicament, have you looked at any of the high end tiny crossbows?

i have. Excalibur is really the only brand i would buy honestly. Now, a more modern double cam compound isnt too bad either and really good fps, even with a heavy-ish arrow setup. what i have now will get the job done, but again, not as easy/covert as a crossbow. much cheaper than a crossbow though lol